Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : EC directs 23 states, UTs to prep for SIR rollout and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
ECI has said that since SIR in these states and UTs is “expected to start from April”, due preparations should be made. The full schedule for the third phase is yet to be announced.
After the completion of the exercise, all states and UTs, except Assam which has undergone special revision of rolls due to the tangle over the pending National Register of Citizens, will be covered under SIR.
ET reported on January 19 that the poll panel was readying to launch the third phase and had held a high-level meeting with census commissioner to discuss possible windows either from February to April or June to August.
All phase-3 states and UTs have already done considerable homework on SIR as most of them have published 2002-03 intensive revision of rolls on their website to enable electors to map their antecedents.
ECI communication on phase-3 launch comes at a time when phase-2 is facing repeated extensions, court battles and considerable political opposition. SIR was launched in Bihar in July 2025 and phase-2 will be wrapped up between February 21 and April 6, with Uttar Pradesh being the last state.